RADIO
Caleb Douglas Still Not Practicing
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) was not seen participating in the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday for the second straight day, according to David Furones of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Douglas is dealing with an ankle injury that kept him from playing the final quarter of the Week 2 blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and his status is now up in the air for this weekend versus the Kansas City Chiefs at home on Sunday. Fellow rookie receiver Chris Bell (knee) is also banged up, but he at least appeared to be limited on Thursday. If the 23-year-old Douglas cannot play against KC, Jalen Tolbert, who has been a healthy scratch for the first two weeks, and Malik Washington would likely be quarterback Malik Willis' top pass-game targets. Douglas, a third-rounder from Texas Tech, caught only two passes for 19 yards in the Week 2 loss to the Niners, but he had five catches on seven targets for 94 yards in the Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and he has intriguing upside that makes him worth stashing on the bench in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Kyle Juszczyk Fined by NFL for "Chugging Beer"
San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk has been fined $14,926 for engaging in an offensive demonstration in Sunday's 35-13 win over the Dolphins. Juszczyk scored a third-quarter touchdown and celebrated by simulating the sharing of a drink with teammate Deebo Samuel Sr. "Your imitation of chugging a beer constituted an offensive demonstration and could reasonably be construed as being in poor taste," the NFL wrote in the fine letter made public on Thursday. Juszczyk has appealed the fine, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter. An injury-depleted 49ers team will host the Cardinals in Week 3 in a divisional matchup in which they are favored by more than a touchdown, potentially giving the 14th-year fullback another chance to find the end zone.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Bucky Irving Facing a Potential Pitch Count
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving has arguably been the team's most dynamic offensive player through the first two weeks of the season, but offensive coordinator Zac Robinson told reporters on Thursday that the third-year back "is on a bit of a pitch count due to the longevity of the season." Robinson also said the team wants to ride the hot hand, which, so far, has clearly been Irving. The Buccaneers added veteran Kenny Gainwell on a two-year, $14 million free agent contract, but through two weeks, Irving has handled over 78% of the team's running back rush share while running 18 more routes and earning more than twice as many targets. Irving is the fantasy RB15 through two weeks, and while his success has depended largely on his heavy usage in an offense that ranks near the middle of the league in terms of efficiency and results, fantasy managers can continue to feel good about starting him until the team's actions match Robinson's messaging.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Kevin Gausman Unsure When he Might Pitch Again
Chicago Cubs veteran right-hander Kevin Gausman (shoulder) said his left shoulder is still sore from the diving play he made at third base in the loss to the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field, according to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. Gausman is getting treatment, but he would not predict his availability to pitch in the wild-card series next week. The 35-year-old is now up in the air as an option to pitch for the Cubbies in Game 1 of the wild-card series next week against an undetermined opponent. In his final regular-season start of 2026 on Wednesday night, Gausman allowed two earned runs on six hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision. He had a 4.38 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 23 starts with the Toronto Blue Jays to begin the year before being traded to the Cubs at the deadline in early August. Gausman was not quite as good in nine starts with Chicago, going 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 57:11 K:BB in 50 1/3 innings pitched.
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Source: 670 The Score - Bruce Levine
Emeka Egbuka's Fantasy Struggles Have Continued in 2026
With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggling offensively to start the year, and the ball spread fairly evenly among receivers, tight ends, and running backs, second-year wideout Emeka Egbuka has accumulated only 79 receiving yards through two weeks. Following a historically strong start to his rookie campaign, the 2025 first-round pick has now failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in 10 straight games, clearing that mark only once in his last 14 outings. He has maintained a respectable 7.1 targets per game over that stretch, but with quarterback Baker Mayfield topping 250 yards and two touchdowns only once since the start of the 2025 season, something he did seven times in 2024 alone, the quality of opportunity has seen a dramatic dip. The Buccaneers face the Vikings in Week 3, and while Brian Flores' aggressive blitzing defense has gotten results through two weeks, the unit is still susceptible to an underneath passing attack, presenting Egbuka with the opportunity to volume his way back to fantasy viability in full-PPR formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sandy Alcantara Will Not Start This Weekend
Miami Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said on Thursday that right-hander Sandy Alcantara will not make one more start this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to Stephen Strom. However, Alcantara, who picked up another save in the win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night, will continue to be available out of the bullpen. Alcantara is 100% healthy, but McCullough said he felt like it was the right time to give the right-hander a breather with the season coming to an end this weekend. Going into Thursday's series finale against Chicago, the 31-year-old Dominican has gone 13-11 on the year with a 3.89 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 152 strikeouts and 59 walks in a league-high and career-high 213 innings pitched across 35 appearances (33 starts). Although he will not make another start this week, Alcantara could still help fantasy managers vying for a championship if he continues to work as a high-leverage reliever in save situations with regular closer Pete Fairbanks (hand) done for the season.
Source: Stephen Strom
Source: Stephen Strom
Ceddanne Rafaela Undergoing MRI Exam on his Hamstring
Boston Red Sox outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela (hamstring) is undergoing an MRI exam on Thursday on his injured right hamstring, manager Chad Tracy told Tim Healey of The Boston Globe. In his return from a quadriceps injury on Wednesday that had landed him on the injured list, Rafaela was pulled from the contest against the Cleveland Guardians with tightness in his right hamstring. The Red Sox are hoping it was just a cramping issue, but we will know for sure at some point on Thursday. Fantasy managers should not expect the starting center fielder to be back in action for Thursday's series finale against the Guardians at Fenway Park, but hopefully Rafaela will be ready to return for Friday's series opener against the visiting Chicago Cubs. The 26-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2026 and is currently slashing a healthy .284/.319/.444 with a .763 OPS, 16 home runs, 70 RBI, 17 stolen bases, and 67 runs scored across his 136 games played. If Rafaela can return before the end of the weekend, he will have a chance to set a new career high in home runs.
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Source: The Boston Globe - Tim Healey
Zay Flowers Still Not Practicing Thursday
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) missed the team's Week 2 loss to the Saints, and his Week 3 availability is trending in the wrong direction after he missed his second straight practice on Thursday. Flowers was knocked out of the season-opener with a hamstring injury after recording a career-high 150 receiving yards in just one half of play. Despite running only 11 routes this season, he still sits as the fantasy WR18 through two weeks, and while it's looking unlikely that he'll be available for the team's Week 3 tilt with the Cowboys, to be played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Flowers has proven to be a must-start player whenever he is again made available.
Source: Jamison Hensley
Source: Jamison Hensley
Xavier Edwards Remains Out of Marlins' Lineup
Miami Marlins middle infielder Xavier Edwards (thumb) continues to sit for Thursday's series finale at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, per MLB.com. Jared Serna will make the start at the keystone for the Fish and will bat eighth against Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd. The 27-year-old Edwards injured his thumb on Saturday against the San Diego Padres and has not played since. With the Marlins eliminated from postseason contention, they might elect to sit Edwards for the rest of the final week of the regular season. He has minimal power, but Edwards is a spark plug because of his speed and contact skills, and he is currently hitting .280/.360/.371 with a .730 OPS, a career-high six home runs, 52 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 61 runs scored across 142 games played and 595 plate appearances in just his second full season in the majors. Edwards' next chance to return to the lineup will be in Friday's series opener in Miami against the division-rival Atlanta Braves.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Chig Okonkwo Remains Out of Practice on Thursday
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) remains sidelined at practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Okonkwo suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and did not play in Sunday's loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. With two missed practices already this week, it is looking like Okonkwo will not be ready to return for the Week 3 matchup at home against the Seattle Seahawks. With Okonkwo sidelined last weekend, Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff combined for two catches and 20 yards, while John Bates was not targeted at all. Quarterback Jayden Daniels has already been ruled out for Week 3 after dislocating his left elbow, so the Commanders' offense will be led by veteran Marcus Mariota against a strong Seahawks defense. Fantasy managers should be avoiding Washington's TE situation altogether this weekend with Okonkwo looking likely to miss a second straight game.
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Judge Denies Request to Seal Records in Josh Jacobs Case
The Wisconsin judge presiding over Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' criminal case has denied the victim's request to permanently seal records, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Judge Marc Hammer has instead turned the matter back over to the Hobart/Lawrence police department, which will now determine whether it is considered fair to release those records. Both Jacobs and the victim will still have an opportunity "to appear" if a decision is made to release the records. Jacobs remains on the Commissioner's Exempt List, and with the NFL attempting to obtain key video evidence from the case, Thursday's ruling could make that a possibility. The Packers face the Falcons on Thursday night, with the backfield expected to be split again among MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, and Kaleb Johnson, who has emerged as potentially the most viable option from a fantasy perspective.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Michael Pittman Jr. Practicing Again on Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) continued to work in practice on Thursday for a second straight day, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. Pittman ended last week with two missed practices because of his foot injury and was ultimately ruled out for the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots. The 28-year-old appears to be on the right track towards returning this Sunday to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to avoid going into the weekend with a questionable tag. In his debut with the Steelers in the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons, the former second-rounder from USC caught all three of his targets for 58 yards and no touchdowns. Pittman's return should be good news for DK Metcalf, who struggled in his absence against a star cornerback last weekend. If Pittman continues to improve and is cleared to play against Cincy, fantasy managers should treat him as a WR4/flex option. UPDATE: Pittman was officially limited again on Thursday.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Rico Dowdle Out of Boot, Still No Practice on Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) did not participate in the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, but he was out of his walking boot, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. It is good news that Dowdle is no longer in a boot, but his status for the Week 3 divisional matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is very much up in the air. The 28-year-old will definitely need to practice in some fashion on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren (shoulder) is also banged up, but he was taking part in practice on Thursday and should be available to play this weekend. If Dowdle is not cleared to play against the Bengals, Warren will basically become a must-start RB2 in fantasy football lineups, with rookie Eli Heidenreich being elevated to the RB2 role in a Steelers offense that has not looked great at all under new head coach Mike McCarthy through the first two weeks of the season. Dowdle is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers, but it looks like it will be very difficult for him to make it three straight in 2026.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Nico Collins Not at Practice on Thursday, Slated to Miss Week 3
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) remains absent from practice on Thursday, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Per KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, Collins is trending toward missing a second straight game in Week 3 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain that he suffered in practice last week. Fantasy managers need to keep the Texans' No. 1 wideout on the bench again this week and hope he can return for a Week 4 matchup at home against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 4. In last week's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with Collins sidelined, newcomer Kayshon Boutte was more involved, catching three of his five targets for 37 yards, but it was tight end Dalton Schultz who was the biggest beneficiary, catching 12 of 14 targets for a team-high 140 yards. Xavier Hutchinson saw the second-most targets (nine), and Jared Wayne surprisingly had seven targets in the passing game. Schultz will be in must-start status this weekend in Indy if Collins is ruled out again, with Boutte being on the flex radar for a second straight game.
Source: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime
Source: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime
A.J. Brown Could Miss 6-8 Weeks
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on WEEI on Thursday that New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) could miss anywhere from six to eight weeks with the high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. With that said, Schefter reports that Brown has been moving around well and could be a candidate to return on the early side of the six- to eight-week timetable. The Patriots placed Brown on Injured Reserve, so he will be forced to miss at least four games. Fantasy managers should not be expecting Brown to return immediately when he is eligible to return, based on this report from Schefter. Quarterback Drake Maye failed to throw a touchdown pass in the Week 2 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with receiver Romeo Doubs benefiting the most from Brown's absence with three catches for 96 yards. Tight end Hunter Henry will also continue to be more intriguing as a TE streamer in fantasy as long as Brown is out, with veteran receiver Mack Hollins also worth rostering for bench depth going forward.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
